Sales Leaders, This One’s for You: Leading Teams Through Your 2025 Fast Start and National Sales Meetings

Welcome to Part 1 of a two-part series focused on making the most of your 2025 Fast Start & National Sales Meetings (NSM). Today’s post is all about Sales Leaders—how to engage your team, keep them focused, and handle challenges like a pro. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll shift gears to share insights specifically for Sales Professionals attending Fast Start or National Sales Meetings.

1. Engage Your Team Early Set clear expectations before the event. Share the agenda, key goals, and a sneak peek at what’s in store. When your team knows the purpose and value of the meeting, they’ll arrive focused and ready to contribute.

2. Foster Connection and Fun Create opportunities for your team to bond outside of formal sessions. Plan shared meals, team-building activities, or lighthearted challenges to help everyone relax and connect.

3. Keep the Focus on Goals Reinforce how the meeting content aligns with team objectives. During breaks or downtime, ask reflective questions like, “What’s one idea you’re excited to implement?” This keeps the team engaged and forward-thinking.

Bonus: Managing the Challenging Team Member

We’ve all faced it—a team member who arrives with negativity or resistance, threatening to derail the group’s energy. The best way to handle this? Address it BEFORE the meeting.

1. Anticipate the Behavior If you know who might be a challenge, don’t ignore it. Schedule a one-on-one conversation ahead of time.
2. Acknowledge Their Concerns Listen to their frustrations, validate their feelings, and explain why the meeting is critical to the team’s success.
3. Redirect the Focus Ask for their input on how they can contribute positively. Highlight their value to the team and set clear expectations for their behavior during the event.
4. Involve Them Proactively Assign them a role or responsibility that encourages engagement, like leading a discussion or sharing insights.

By addressing potential disruptions beforehand, you protect the team’s experience and foster a collaborative, productive atmosphere.

Ready to Elevate Your Meeting Leadership?

At The Willow Group, we specialize in equipping leaders like you with tools and strategies to run impactful, high-energy meetings that align and motivate teams. Whether it’s a tailored workshop, coaching, or pre-event strategy planning, we’re here to help you lead with confidence.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where we’ll focus on tips for Sales Professionals to maximize their Fast Start & NSM experience.

Let’s ensure your 2025 Fast Start & NSM is a standout success. Contact The Willow Group today to learn more!

What’s your go-to strategy for keeping meeting energy high? Share your thoughts below or connect with us to discuss how we can support your team!